Color Corp

The Color Corp

The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to encourage active Catholic citizenship and foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large.

The Color Corps members exemplify all the principles of our Order:

• Charity - by the gift of their time and energies necessary to practice, perfect and perform the ceremonials and sword drill;

• Unity – by the united efforts of Sir Knights to practice and perfect a coordinated drill for the good of the Church and the Order;

• Fraternity – by expressing an “Esprit de Corps,” sharing a common desire for drill excellence and camaraderie; and

• Patriotism – by performing precision drill as a salute to God and to country and visually exhibiting a love for both.

Color Guard & Honor Guard

Introduction

The Color Corps (C.C.) has two sub-groups, the Color Guard (C.G.) and the Honor Guard (H.G.).

Color Guard

The Color Guard consists of the flag bearers and at least two members of the Honor Guard who escort the colors.

Honor Guard

The Honor Guard consists of members of the Color Corps who have mastered the Manual of the Sword. This group is typically whom you see at fellow Sir Knight viewing and funeral services.

History

In many assemblies, all members of the Color Corps belong to the Honor Guard. The public appearance of Fourth Degree Knights as a Color Corps at religious and civic functions is an important activity for each assembly. They add dignity and the pride of Church and country to any event. By these public demonstrations their loyalties bring credit to themselves and to the Knights of Columbus.

The Color Corps has been referred to as “the most visible branch of the Knights of Columbus.” The Chester County Assembly had historically been a leader in Color Corps representation in the PA East District of Calvert Province. The Assembly’s Color Corps was founded in 1981 under Color Corps Commander SK Nicholas Monatesti and until 2017 rendered many honors and added presence to many events. Unfortunately, after a change from regalia to uniform in 2018, there were an insufficient number of members invested in the new uniform. Color Corps Commander Bill Schell (d) was the last Color Corps Commander under what has been called the “legacy regalia.” The Chester County Color Corps ceased to exist.

Current Color Corps Commander and veteran District Marshal Dr. Frank Bruno, is determined to return the Chester County Color Corps to its former prominence. The Color Corps is an ELECTIVE division of the Fourth Degree, whose distinctive presence in parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, memorials, Confirmations and other Catholic functions are a visible reminder of our service to the community.

The ceremonial sword symbolizes Christian Knighthood. It is carried to signify reverence to Church, Eucharist, country and freedom. Color Corps members wear the colors with pride, knowing they represent the very best of the Knights of Columbus.